Credit: AP

Arkansas State quarterback Ryan Aplin (16) scrambles away from pressure from Northern Illinois’ Jimmie Ward (15) in the first half of the GoDaddy.com Bowl NCAA college football game on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2012, in Mobile, Ala.

Northern Illinois safety Jimmie Ward is the focus in the 21st installment of a 29-day series that will highlight draft prospects who could land with the Patriots in the vicinity of the 29th pick. Maybe the prospect fits perfectly in their first-round area code, or maybe it's a player who could be available in the mid-30s, causing the Patriots to trade down. Be sure to come back each day for a new installment of the series.

Key StatsThe 5-foot-11, 193-pounder played three full seasons on defense and amassed 299 tackles, two sacks, six tackles for loss, 11 interceptions and 29 pass breakups. He blocked four punts in his career, including three as a freshman.

Why the Patriots Would Want HimWard is a strong safety who plays with a ton of energy, packs a wallop and plays aggressively in the box. His fearlessness to hit and make plays could serve as an intimidating presence. He can also cover in the slot if necessary. Ward could win the starting job next to Devin McCourty.

Why the Patriots Might Stay AwayWard is said to have an attitude issue that should be explored, and he struggles in coverage down the middle of the field. Because he plays bigger than his size, injuries are a concern, as are his nine bench press reps at the combine. The Patriots have also drafted safeties in the top-three rounds in each of the last two drafts, and they might be comfortable with either Duron Harmon or Logan Ryan starting next to McCourty next season.

Potential Impact in 2014Ward undoubtedly has talent, and his physicality should mesh very well in a secondary with Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner and McCourty, which could allow him to play with a little more freedom if he picks up the system and earns the coaches’ trust. That’d make him fun to watch as a starter. But if Ward can’t crack the defensive lineup, it’d be a frustrating miss early in the draft.

Likelihood Ward Is Available at No. 29Ward should be a second-round pick, though it seems unlikely he’ll fall all the way to No. 61.